Indecency charges dropped against southern Illinois sheriff

BELLEVILLE — Prosecutors have dropped indecency charges against a southern Illinois sheriff who'd been accused of engaging in a sex act outside a pub.

The State Journal-Register

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Posted Jan. 16, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 16, 2013 at 3:15 PM

Posted Jan. 16, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 16, 2013 at 3:15 PM

BELLEVILLE — Prosecutors have dropped indecency charges against a southern Illinois sheriff who'd been accused of engaging in a sex act outside a pub.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports that the ordinance violation was dismissed Tuesday against Perry County Sheriff Keith Kellerman after prosecution and defense attorneys met in the judge's chambers.

The 49-year-old sheriff and another man were arrested in December 2011 after a Caseyville officer alleged he saw them engaging in a sex act in a station wagon. The other defendant, 32-year-old J. Ian Stennett of Collinsville, pleaded guilty to the indecency charge and was fined $100.

A lawyer who represents the Illinois Press Association contends Tuesday's hearing violated state open-meetings laws because the public and the media have a right to report on judicial proceedings.